Migration

The last two days were spent on the Serengeti. Words fail me. It is impossible to describe the vast expanse that is this wonder of God’s creation. One example was the storms. The thunder was like nothing I’ve ever heard. It seemed to roar and rumble without end.

My last safari was during the month of July, which is the dry season. In February the rains come and they came early this year. With the rains comes the migration – as spectacular an experience as you’ll ever see. Some 1.5 million wildebeests and more than 750,000 zebras (along with numerous other species) migrate across the Serengeti looking for food and water. The rains make this plentiful on the plains and for thousands of years this annual trek has taken place. Again, words fail to describe how many animals were near.

Today we had unforgettable experiences on our early morning game drive. We saw a complete pride of lions (one male, four females and six cubs of varying ages) walk right out into the open and lay down to sun themselves. Without exaggerating, at times they were only a few feet from our vehicles.

We then moved to a high grassy area and found a cheetah sitting and looking out on some Thompson Gazelles. As we got closer we saw that the few puffs of short grass near her were not grass at all, but rather three small cubs. They were likely only a few weeks old. Even with our trucks nearby, she ran off and stalked the gazelles. Watching her run, if only at half speed, is unforgettable. With her keen eyesight and vocal calls, she kept in contact with the cubs, who seemed just fine to have their mother gone.

The marvels of migration are many and wondrous. To God be the glory!

At Sheridan we often talk about our life of faith as a “journey.” This is a great metaphor – instructive and also easily applicable to our life. However, I now wonder if it doesn’t fall a bit short. I m beginning to wonder if “migration” might be better.

People get tired of the journey. We get worn out and feel the effects of the rat-race. I certainly don’t want to compare our glorious walk of faith as something we tire of and feel obliged to do.

On the other hand, a migration nourishes! Yes the journey is long. Even more, it is ripe with danger. Frighteningly enough, some don’t make it. But migration happens because of hope. A hope in a better place. A hope in a better tomorrow.

Let the migrating begin!

~Pastor Greg Bouvier